Decking or patio

[SummerSun04]

AIBU for thinking that composite decking under our outdoor dining area would attract mice/vermin?

The decking seems to have a good 1cm gap between each board because of the way it's fitted so there is space for crumbs to fall, especially during evening parties. It'll have the usual slight gap underneath. We back onto wild land and the cats catch voles so I know they're there. The thought of them running under there is grim.

The composite would look better as it'd match the back door steps and tie the garden together, but is it a silly choice? Would you pick composite decking or patio for an outdoor dining area?

Patio

We had decking which we ended up ripping it out. It’s gets so slippery and you’d be amazed what fits to fall through the slats.

Patio paving will last much longer.

We have decking and we have had it for 7 years . We pressure wash every year and have had no rats etc. Our JRT hasn’t picked up any scents and we have a huge population of badgers,foxes etc in our immediate vicinity!

We have composite decking. It's well sealed at all sides and we don't have a rodent problem - my spaniel would be constantly going nuts if we did. Composite decking isn't slippery like wood decking, and it lasts ages too. We also have a patio and it's a pain keeping it weed free between the slabs.

Even if voles and mice don't get under it, don't crumbs drop down and fester? I think it would look better, but at least you can sweep a patio.

We previously had wooden decking that became slippery. We were advised that composite doesn't get slippery and it's much easier to clean, is that true?

Any specific brand recommendations or photos?

An alternative possibility: I had this laid 5 years ago. It’s a single sheet of concrete coloured with the pigments of your choice and imprinted with the pattern of your choice. No problem with weeds or unwelcome visitors. I’m very happy with it.

When we brought up our decking you wouldn’t believe what was down there - barbies, wooden spoons, loose change and a tampon in its wrapper! I like to think we don’t live like tramps but that all made me second guess 😂 I’m blaming the kids for most of it

Decking is better, although I can understand your perspectives.

Does 'composite' mean plastic?

For me patio. It’s a much more durable build, no chance anything can get under and of course it doesn’t attract vermin under it, which there always is.

If you can afford it, patio every time.

We just had 2 weeks of this dilemma! In the end we went with Millboard Composite decking - arrives today! For what we want, Composite Decking will transform our outdoor living space and garden way more then a stone slab patio which we have at the moment.

We ordered loads of samples from about 12 companies but Millboard was on another level. Looks and feels like aged wood with none of the downsides. It's on another level to anything else.

Other brands which we liked was TimberTech close second. Trex and Hyperion wasn't bad either. Although, Trex (mid range) and Hyperion (higher end) scratched too easily with a car key test.

Love this.

composite doesn't get slippery and it's much easier to clean, is that true?

Yes, in my experience. Not slippery and a quick power wash twice a year keeps it clean.

We have composite too, brilliant stuff. I give mine a quick mop from time to time. I went for the oak with wood grain effect and it looks beautiful.
No rodent problem here either.